GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK, WYO.—Taking a green vacation just became easier with Grand Teton Lodge Company’s (GTLC) announcement that it will offset 100 percent of its energy use by purchasing clean, renewable wind-generated energy. By purchasing energy credits equal to the company’s entire electricity use, GTLC becomes one of the largest purchasers of wind power in Wyoming. In 2003, GTLC led the way in promoting alternative energy sources in the state by becoming one of the first Wyoming businesses to purchase wind-generated electricity, securing the equivalent power to run Jenny Lake Lodge annually. The company will work with...

DANBURY, CONN.—FuelCell Energy Inc., a leading manufacturer of ultra-clean and efficient electric power plants for commercial and industrial customers, announced the sale of a 750-kilowatt generating plant to a premier hospitality and entertainment resort, making it FuelCell Energy’s third hotel and lodging site in California. The unit was sold through FuelCell Energy’s distribution partner, Alliance Power Inc. The facility will use the Direct FuelCell (DFC) power plant to provide base load power around the clock for hotel operations, and will transform the plant’s heat byproduct into hot water for the guests, adding to the system’s overall operating efficiency....

SAINT CHARLES, MO.—Yesterday was Energy Star’s Seventh Annual Change a Light Day. It was the day Saint Charles-based Pineapple Hospitality saluted its clients who already have replaced 75,000 incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents this year. “In just the first nine months of 2006, our lodging lighting retrofits have saved a combined 6.8 million kilowatt hours, which is the equivalent of planting 1,332 acres of forest and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 10 million pounds,” says Ray Burger, president of Saint Charles, Mo.-based Pineapple Hospitality. “These green retrofits, which literally are as simple as changing out a few...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Energy Star label for refrigerated vending machines is now available for thousands of vending machines rebuilt and reinstalled with more efficient components, EPA announced recently. The new Energy Star specification is expected to save end users more than $2 million in the first year alone. Initially, Energy Star qualified rebuilt machines will potentially be an average of 40 percent more efficient than conventional models. Each machine can save end users an average of 1,600 kWh and $130 a year on their utility bill. On July 1, 2007, when more stringent Energy Star requirements become effective, Energy Star qualified...

GROSSE POINTE, MICH.—Entergize has introduced a new thermostat that provides an enhancement to the current Entergize System. The WirelessStat-RF provides wireless connectivity to the PTAC or other HVAC units. Many customers have asked if it was possible to eliminate the thermostat wiring that currently is required to connect the HVAC to the thermostat. Even though this is a thin 24-volt wire that can be installed inside the room, it is still problematic in many guestroom environments. The new product can be mounted anywhere in the room and can be relocated without difficulty by in-house personnel. Prior attempts...

NEW ALBANY, MISS.—Master-Bilt, manufacturer of a full line of premier commercial refrigeration systems for over 65 years, announces patent approval for its reverse cycle process. This proprietary technology involves a reverse cycle valve that is added to the condensing unit which reverses the direction of refrigerant flow during defrosts. The reverse cycle is automatically activated by the Master Controller electronic control system, saving the user energy and money as well as added convenience. When the Master Controller demand defrost feature determines a defrost is necessary, the reverse cycle valve is automatically activated and the high temperature refrigerant flow...

NEW YORK—If you have plans to attend this year’s International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show in New York City and are interested in checking out vendors that sell green products, you may want to bring some comfortable shoes. Suppliers of environmentally friendly products will not be segregated in one spot but located around the huge trade show floor. That is probably a good thing; all of the show’s free food samples justify the miles of walking. “The defining characteristic of the 91st annual International Hotel/Motel and Restaurant Show is ‘new,’ says Christian Falkenberg, show manager. “This show promises to...

SOUTH WINDSOR, CONN.—UTC Power, a United Technologies company, announced that it has become an Energy Star Partner. Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy that helps businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. “We are proud to be a partner,” says Jan van Dokkum, UTC Power president. “Energy Star tools and resources help product and service providers like us work more effectively with customers to design efficient cooling, heating and power systems that not only save energy but also ensure a healthier, cleaner environment...

ARLINGTON, VA—Pepco Energy Services, a subsidiary of Pepco Holdings Inc. and a supplier of renewable electricity in the Mid-Atlantic region, announced that it has been awarded a contract to supply wind power to The Fairmont Washington, D.C. The three-year contract calls for Pepco Energy Services to supply the 415- room Fairmont Hotel with more than 3 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity generated from renewable resources. Beginning in March 2007, 10 percent of the energy will come from wind farms located in the Mid-Atlantic region. “Pepco Energy Services is pleased to be supplying environmentally friendly wind energy...

AMERICAN CANYON, CALIF.—Imagine a hotel with the sound of birds chirping on a green roof, swans gliding across a half-acre lagoon and koi swimming in a pond. Designed to appeal to eco-tourists who want luxury and comfort, Napa Valley’s first environmentally sustainable hotel, Gaia Napa Valley, will open next month. Cutting-edge, environmentally friendly technology was used in its construction and will be applied in the daily operations. Gaia Napa Valley will offer the ultimate experience of harmony with nature. The hotel is pursuing gold LEED certification. The lagoon has its own eco-system, is surrounded by a lush...